Jewish Federation of San Diego got into the Chanukah spirit by meeting up for the “8 Crazy Flights of Chanukah” Wednesday evening, Dec. 18 at Bivouac Cider Works and Adventure Lodge in North Park. [Cailin Acosta]
Federation Kickstarts Chanukah with 8 Crazy Flights of Cider Tastings Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Travel and Food
It was a festive occasion, but unfortunately, I did not find any decorations or events that had a Chanukah theme, so I focused on the Winter excitement. I will be mentioning this to the La Mesa Village Association that our holiday was not represented. Many Jewish residents live in La Mesa. [Cailin Acosta]
La Mesa’s Annual Holiday in the Village Seems to Ignore Chanukah Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
This can be a stressful time of the year financially and emotionally for many people. Wishing someone a “Happy Holiday” usually sparks a smile of relief and if that person corrects you with the holiday they celebrate, it is okay. Wishing someone a “Happy” something is better than not saying anything in my experience. [Cailin Acosta]
Holiday Greetings! What’s Appropriate to Say? Read More »
Antisemitism, Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
Among the physicians preparing to migrate to Israel are husband and wife Drs. Garrett and Noa Sterling. He is an emergency medicine physician, and she is a retired obstetrician/ gynecologist who now runs an online membership group that counsels individuals about pregnancy and post-partum issues. Noa, speaking for herself and her husband, said, “We feel a spiritual calling to live in Israel. The future of the Jewish people is in Israel, and we want to contribute to that future.” [Press Release]
Israel Recruits Medical Doctors at MedEx LA Read More »
Israel, Press Release, Science, Medicine, & Education, Travel and Food, USACollege football season comes to an end in the next couple of weeks. The college football playoffs are so confusing for us who grew up with just the bowls. My Dad z”l took me to the “Holiday Bowl” here in San Diego. [Cailin Acosta]
Bowl Games to Highlight College Football at the End of this Month Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
The family and I attended the “December Nights” event in Balboa Park on Friday, Dec. 6 in historic Balboa Park. Through the crowds of hungry and thirsty attendees, we made our way to the House of Israel. We were greeted by a security guard at the front door and there was also another guard at the back of the house. [Cailin Acosta]
House of Israel Serves Up Latkes During December Nights Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Israel, Middle East, Miriam Gershenson, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA
Spending a week in London in mid-November is not really a good idea for someone who has become used to the Mediterranean climate of Israel, but the arrival there of our son from Las Vegas proved an overriding attraction, so we went. [Dorothea Shefer-Vanson]
Maybe it’s Because I’m a Londoner… Read More »
Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, International, Israel, Jewish History, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food“When can we eat?” Not only do we hear this as we gather for Passover, but I am sure this question was asked in many homes on Thanksgiving. It is always the debate. Do you serve Thanksgiving lunch, something between noon and 6 p.m., or serve as the sun sets for dinner? [Cailin Acosta]
Jews Divide Along Denominational Lines over Thanksgiving Celebrations Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
Recently we followed in the footsteps of many Israelis and traveled south to the “Gaza envelope” (the area of Jewish communities adjacent to the border). We were on one of two buses sponsored by the ESRA organization going to the area where 1,269 Israelis (and some others) were killed, thousands were wounded, and 250+ were kidnapped. In addition to our bus there were many other busses and private cars visiting the area. [Steve Kramer]
Visiting the Gaza Envelope Read More »
Israel, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Steve Kramer, Travel and FoodDo Jews believe in miracles? An article on myjewishlearning.com sparked my interest. Miracles appear throughout Jewish texts, from the splitting of the Red Sea to the bush that burned but was not consumed. [Cailin Acosta]
Are There Jewish Miracles? Yes, 8 Days of Chanukah Among Them Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food“Growing up, both of my grandfathers were engineers, and I was always told we needed more women in all areas of STEM,” Rep. Sara Jacobs (D-San Diego) told 3rd to 8th grade girls who attended the All-Girls STEM Society meeting at the Mission Valley Branch Library on Saturday, Nov. 23. [Cailin Acosta]
Congresswoman Sara Jacobs Discusses Science and Holiday Treats Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA
As soon as we were done celebrating Halloween, we got ready in the USA for Thanksgiving. But there is another observance that the Jewish community can still embrace: November is Mizrahi Heritage Month. [Barrett Holman Leak]
Before the Turkey Comes the Kubbeh: Mizrahi Heritage Month Read More »
Barrett Holman Leak, International, Israel, Lifestyles, Middle East, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USAAs I took my bottles and cans to EDCO Recycle this morning, I reflected that the “haul” used to be filled with Diet Coke cans. However, years ago, I switched to SodaStream, an Israeli product that carbonates your water. I don’t add any syrups. I simply drink fizzy water. The volume of my recycling has decreased, but I feel, nevertheless, that I am dong my part for the environment. [Cailin Acosta]
Mitzvot and Kindness Mark Visit to a Recycling Center Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Cailin Acosta, Israel, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and FoodMatzah ball soup is also known as the “Jewish penicillin.” Whenever I am sick, that is what friends would tell me. “All you need is some matzah ball soup and you will feel so much better.” [Cailin Acosta]
Is Matzah Ball Soup Really a Cure-All? Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA